City Council Keeps Pine Water Plant Improvements Moving

07/13/11 On Monday night, the Plymouth Common Council showed their approval by unanimous vote for a resolution that could mean the expansion of the Pine Water Treatment Plant.

Utilities Director Donnie Davidson presented the matter for consideration at previous meetings and had gained support from both the Plymouth Board of Public Works and the Redevelopment Commission.

The resolution adds the project to TIF #I.

Although both boards had approved going ahead with the expansion, the city still needed the blessing of the Common Council to proceed.

Davison explained at the two previous meetings that the Ledyard Water plant needs major overhauling, but that he is hesitant to begin the project at that site until there is adequate backup at the city’s second site.

When the Pine Road Water Plant was designed, accommodations for expansion were included such as plumbing for new infrastructure that would include two wells, pressure filters and pumps. The estimated cost is $1,446,500 for both construction and non-construction costs.

The project could take up to nine moths to complete.

Davidson had stated, “We are not to the desperate stage, but we are looking to the future.”

Davison explained that it is extremely risky to overhaul the Ledyard plant first since the construction work would have to be done in low-demand months (winter) and that the cost would increase. He said work at the Pine Road Treatment Plant can be accomplished during the high demand months in the summer and, thus, lower the costs.

At this point, the matter goes back to Redevelopment. Redevelopment must then hold a public hearing to get opinions from area residents.

Another resolution that was on the July 11 agenda for the Common Council was tabled. Several boards have been working on an ordinance for the regulation of flood hazard areas within the city. City Attorney Nelson Chipman told the Council that they have not completed the wording that will replace a section in the zoning ordinance. Chipman indicated that the matter will be brought before the Council when the zoning ordinance can be finalized.

In other matters, Plymouth Clerk-Treasurer Toni Hutchings said she was pleased to receive a check in the amount of $935,987 that is only one part of an EDA grant. The grant was used to construct a Tech Farm off of Pine Road.

Mayor Mark Senter invited the public to the first stakeholder’s public meeting with Troyer Architects as they pursue the design for the new downtown park. The meeting will be held on July 14 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Senter said the public may not be able to ask questions or give suggestions during the meeting due to time limitations.

The Board of Public Works and Safety approved offering a position with the Plymouth Police Department to Nick Young. Prior to the board meeting, two candidates were interviewed in a special session.

Police Chief Jim Cox informed the board that a second police vehicle had been totaled during a pursuit. He said at this point that there has not been feedback from the insurance company. Cox did ask the board to give him permission to seek information on a new vehicle. Cox said, “We don’t know where the money will come from, but Toni (Hutchings) will be working with the insurance company.”

City Engineer Rick Gaul asked the board to approve appointing two people to the Common Construction Wage Committee. Gaul said there is no project in mind at this time, but the appointments would be “generic”.

The Board approved the appointment of Jim Marquardt and Don Wendel by unanimous vote with the exception of an abstention by Mike Delp. Delp and Wendel are related as brother-in-laws.

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